There is already wealth-based selection in Northern Ireland schools

(The editorial can be read here: ‘If transfer tests are suspended, then academic selection itself is in peril’)

There are a few points that I would wish to raise.

With regard to the use of selective tests it is always the case that children do not have equal access to support with those from lower socio-economic groups not having access, for example, to private tuition.

Current home schooling just increases this lack of equality for example, many don’t have access to computers to work from home.

Children are already at increased risk of mental health issues in the current pandemic as are the population at large.

To expect all children to be adequately prepare for tests in December in such circumstances is unfair and an alternative should be found

There are a number of grammar schools who have ended academic selection and they have not disappeared as suggested in the article!

In suggesting that the loss of grammar schools would result in a wealth-based system you should be aware that grammar schools in Northern Ireland have an average free school meals level of 14% non-grammars 39%.

Is this not already a wealth-based system?

Deirdre Kane, Enniskillen